Industry Group Proposes New Method of Universal Support Based on Telephone Numbers

WASHINGTON --The USF By The Numbers Coalition Monday (May 14) sponsored a forum in Washington, D.C., to discuss reform of the way money is collected to fund Universal Service. The change would replace the current system based on interstate revenues with a system based on phone numbers. Keynote speaker is FCC Chairman Kevin Martin. Verizon is a member of the coalition. The following statement should be attributed to Kathleen Grillo, vice president, federal regulatory:

"Universal Service is an important national priority, but the current method of collecting funds no longer works. The marketplace has changed dramatically, and 'all-distance' services are the norm. Tying USF contributions to telephone numbers will be easier for consumers to understand and will ensure that the fund is supported by all voice customers. Collecting USF fees based on telephone numbers rather than interstate revenues will help ensure a stable source of funding for years to come."